Chasity Wells-Armstrong

Position title: Former Mayor, Kankakee, IL

Why did you decide to join the steering committee?

I decided to join the steering committee because I want to expand my networks to collaboratively work with mayors across the country to identify solutions for my city.

What makes MIP unique from other organizations?

The Mayors Innovation Project is unique because it is a smaller network with an intentional focus on equity to address the diversity reflected in the US population. Also, the MIP has a strong focus on environmental/climate issues that I do not always hear about with some of the other organizations.

If you could give one piece of advice to a new mayor on what you’ve learned in your role, what would it be?

My advice to a new mayor is to find a national organization that will expand access to other mayors, addresses the challenges of his/her municipality and can provide resources to justify membership with the organization.